Grassroots hit again

The year was just four days old when prime minister Boris Johnson announced a third national lockdown in England. Outdoor grassroots sports were once again put on hold, initially until mid-february, although organised outdoor sport for disabled people was permitted and fishing was allowed to continue after a government U-turn.

Elite sport continued - albeit without spectators - so it was business as usual for Gillingham, who began 2021 with two successive defeats in League 1 before a four-game unbeaten run, including a 4-1 thrashing of Crewe who arrived at Priestfield 10 games without loss.

Elite status included the National League and National League South, so Dover, Dartford, Ebbsfleet, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Welling were able to play on. However on January 22 the National South season along with the North - was suspended for two weeks following club feedback over funding proposals for the rest of campaign.

The season had only started in October after the government agreed £10million of funding would be in place. The second stage of funding was to come via the government’s Sport Winter Survival Package - but as loans rather than grants. That led the league to offer three options to clubs - loans for clubs, loans to the league who then distribute to clubs, or suspend the season. Maidstone-born Harvey White, who started out with Cuxton 91 as a six-year-old, was given his full Tottenham debut by Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old midfielder played 90 minutes in Spurs’ televised 5-0 FA Cup third-round win at part-time Marine.

Also hitting the national headlines was Alfie May. The former Hythe Town striker was described by England and Manchester City star Phil Foden as “a great player” after putting Cheltenham within nine minutes of knocking out the Premier League leaders - only for Pep Guardiola’s superstars to score three late goals.

There was good news for Kent Cricket fans after seamer Matt Milnes signed a new two-year deal, but bad news for Swale bowls star Perry Martin, who had to pull out of his World Indoor Championship quarterfinal at Great Yarmouth after a positive coronavirus test.

Tottenham midfielder Harvey White and, inset, as a youngster at Cuxton 91